We're maintaining the levels of green space on campus since 2011 levels – increasing the provision of biodiversity on campus.
Our commitment
We're dedicated to maximising biodiversity, finding opportunities to create and use green space on campus.
We aim to:
We have a very dense city centre campus – which is under constant demand for productive space. We're working to counteract these demands to achieve a balance between green space and campus developments.
In 2014, Drake's Place went through a £1.4 million restoration project to restore the reservoir and gardens back to their original design, simultaneously supporting and increasing levels of plant life and insect species. This project has achieved Green Flag status for three years running since opening. The gardens incorporate lawn, wildflower and woodland wildflower areas around the reservoir, as well as shrubs, flower beds and large trees. The historic significance of Drake's Place includes the cascade and stream, which help to provide an atmospheric space to enjoy. Drake’s Place is a place where students and staff can go to relax, learn and volunteer.
We also have the Physic Garden on campus where students and staff can volunteer as part of a gardening group. This project links outdoor learning to curriculum engagement for sustainability and the group get involved in growing vegetables, herbs and insect friendly planting. Children from Freshlings Nursery also take part in the growing activities – with their own space outside the nursery on Endsleigh Place.
In the spring of 2015 we got our very own apiary on camps. We have two bee hives that are managed by a group of keen volunteers from departments across the University and led by the School of Art and Media. Our bees are Apis mellifera mellifera, a so called native or black bee. Look out for University of Plymouth honey coming soon once our bees are settled in.
Beyond campus, we also have 12 beds in the allotments in the north of the city. The beds are run by the Students’ Union and were expanded in 2013. Find out how to get involved.
For buildings off campus, the biodiversity achievements are much wider. The Dental School in the Plymouth Science Park and the Pool Innovation Centre both have a green roof, supporting wildlife by providing micro-climates for insects and birds – as well as adding thermal properties to the building and reducing surface run-off of rainfall.